The Christmas season is the best time to bake and exchange wonderful Christmas cookies with loved ones and friends. Whether you like traditional sugar cookies, flavored gingerbread, or decadent chocolate cookies, there’s a holiday cookie for all. Below, we’ve gathered some of the greatest Christmas cookie recipes that will make your holiday season even more special!

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

These cookies are a holiday essential. They’re great to decorate and can be made with fun holiday icing and sprinkles.

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup softened unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and baking powder together.

In a different bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in vanilla extract, egg, and almond extract.

Alternate with dry ingredients and mix slowly, adding in milk.

Shape dough into tiny balls and arrange on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or till lightly golden brown at edges.

Let cool and top with icing or sprinkles.

2. Gingerbread Cookies

A holiday treat with warm spices and a celebratory scent, gingerbread cookies are a blast to bake and decorate.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, cream brown sugar and butter until fluffy.

Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.

Slowly add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Roll out dough and cut into festive shapes.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, then cool and decorate.

3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These rich, fudgy cookies are dusted in powdered sugar, producing a festive crinkle effect during baking.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and oil.

Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll dough into balls, roll in powdered sugar, and place on baking sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes.

Cool before serving.

4. Peanut Butter Blossoms

These traditional cookies have a tender peanut butter center topped with a chocolate kiss.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup softened unsalted butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 cup sugar (for rolling)

Chocolate kisses

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, cream butter, sugar, and peanut butter until fluffy.

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk.

Add dry ingredients gradually and mix until combined.

Roll dough into balls, coat with sugar, and put on baking sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm.

Cool and serve.

Conclusion

Christmas cookie baking is a festive and fun way to enjoy the holiday season. Whether you’re a fan of traditional sugar cookies, spiced gingerbread, or rich chocolate cookies, these recipes will bring warmth and cheer to your home. Give them a try, share with friends and family, and have a sweet holiday season!